World

World History:
History: Connection
Connection to
to Today
Chapter 13, Section
Today

Chapter 13
Spread of Civilizations
in East Asia
(500–1650)

Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
 World
World History:
History: Connection
Connection to
to Today
Chapter 13, Section
Today

Chapter 13: Spread of Civilizations in East Asia

(500–1650)

ction 1: Two Golden Ages of China

ction 2: The Mongol and Ming Empires

ction 3: Korea and Its Traditions

ction 4: The Emergence of Japan

ction 5: Japan’s Feudal Age

Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.
Chapter 13, Section 1

Two Golden Ages in China

• How did Tang and Song rulers ensure Chinese unity

and prosperity?

• How did Chinese society reflect Confucian traditions?

• What were the literary and artistic achievements of

Tang and Song China?
Chapter 13, Section 1

Tang and Song Dynasties

The Tang and Song dynasties unified China and

restored culture and prosperity.

TANG SONG
Helped restore uniform Expanded the Chinese economy
government
Developed new strains of rice
Recruited Confucian scholars for and improved irrigation methods
civil service jobs

Developed new code of law Produced food surpluses,

Instituted land reform, which enabling more people to pursue
helped to strengthen central commerce, learning, and the
government by weakening large arts
landowners
Encouraged foreign trade
Built a system of canals, which
encouraged internal trade and
transportation Transformed cities into centers
of trade
Encouraged foreign trade
Chapter 13, Section 1

Chinese Society

Under the Tang and Song dynasties, China was a well-ordered

society.
GENTRY
• Most scholar-officials were gentry, from the wealthy landowning class.
• Song scholar-gentry supported a revival of Confucian thought.
• The ideal Confucian official was a wise, virtuous scholar.

PEASANTS
• Most Chinese were peasants who worked the land.
• Peasants could move up in society through education and government
service.

MERCHANTS
• According to Confucian tradition, merchants were an even lower class
than peasants because their riches came from the labor of others.
• Confucian attitudes toward merchants affected economic policy.
Chapter 13, Section 1

Technology of Tang and Song China

Mechanical clock, 700s

The Chinese learned of water-powered clocks from Middle Easterners.
Mechanical clocks used a complex series of wheels, shafts, and pins,
turning at a steady rate, to tell exact time.

Gunpowder, 850
The earliest form of gunpowder was made from a mixture of saltpeter,
sulfur, and charcoal, all found in abundance in China. It was first used in
fireworks and later in weapons.

Block printing, 700s

Both printing processes were based on earlier techniques, such as seals (first used in the
Middle East). In block printing, a full page of characters was carved onto a wooden block.
Movable type was made up of precut characters that were combined to form a page.
Chapter 13, Section 1

Art and Literature of the Tang and Song

A prosperous economy supported the rich culture of Tang and

Song China.

ARTS LITERATURE

Artists sought balance and Scholars produced works on

harmony through simple philosophy, religion, and
strokes and lines. history.

Landscape painters sought The first short stories

to capture the spiritual blended fantasy, romance,
essence of the natural world. and adventure.

Buddhist themes dominated Among the gentry, poetry

was the most respected form
sculpture and architecture.
of literature.
The Chinese perfected skills
The great Tang poet, Li Bo,
in making porcelain. wrote 2,000 poems.
Chapter 13, Section 1

Section 1 Assessment

Which of the following was an accomplishment under the Tang?

a) the development of new strains of rice
b) land reform
c) the invention of new methods of irrigation
d) food surpluses

According to Confucian tradition, the lowest social class was that of the
a) peasants.
b) gentry.
c) merchants.
d) nobility.

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Chapter 13, Section 1

Section 1 Assessment

Which of the following was an accomplishment under the Tang?

a) the development of new strains of rice
b) land reform
c) the invention of new methods of irrigation
d) food surpluses

According to Confucian tradition, the lowest social class was that of the
a) peasants.
b) gentry.
c) merchants.
d) nobility.

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Chapter 13, Section 2

The Mongol and Ming Empires

• How did the Mongols conquer and rule a

huge empire?

• What were the effects of Mongol rule on

China?

• How did the Ming restore Chinese rule?

• What policies did the Ming pursue with

regard to the outside world?
Chapter 13, Section 2

Mongol Conquests

In the 1200s, Genghiz Khan united Mongol tribes and conquered a

vast empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe.

Genghiz Khan imposed strict military discipline and demanded

absolute loyalty. His highly trained armies contained some of the
most skilled horsemen in the world.

In their conquest of China, the Mongol armies faced the problem of

attacking walled cities. Mongol and Chinese armies used missile
weapons against each other.

It took 150 years for the Mongols to complete their conquest of China.
Chapter 13, Section 2

Mongol Empire
Chapter 13, Section 2

Mongol Rule

Once a conquest was complete, the Mongols were not

oppressive rulers. They often allowed conquered peoples
to live much as they had — as long as they paid tribute to
the Mongols.

The heirs of Genghiz Khan established peace and order

within their domain. Historians today refer to this period as
the Pax Mongolica, or Mongol Peace.
Chapter 13, Section 2

China Under the Mongols

Only Mongols could serve in the military or hold the highest government
jobs.

Chinese officials were allowed to rule in the provinces.

The Chinese despised their foreign conquerors.

A mix of Chinese and foreign customs developed.

Foreigners were welcomed into China and a number of Chinese products,

such as gunpowder and porcelain, were introduced in Europe.
Chapter 13, Section 2

How Did the Ming Restore Chinese Rule?

Early Ming rulers sought to reassert Chinese greatness after years

of foreign rule. To accomplish this, they did the following:

• Restored the civil service system and made the exams more rigorous
than ever
• Revived Confucian learning
• Repaired the canal system that linked regions and made trade easier
• Made Chinese cities home to many industries, including porcelain,
paper, and tools
• Developed new technologies, which increased output in manufacturing
• Supported a revival of arts and literature
Chapter 13, Section 2

Why did Ming emperors turn their back on overseas exploration?

• Confucian scholars had little interest in overseas

ventures. To them, Chinese civilization was
superior to all others.

• The Chinese wanted to preserve ancient traditions,

which they saw as the source of stability.

• Fleets of seagoing ships were costly and did not

produce any profits.
Chapter 13, Section 2

Section 2 Assessment

In China under Mongol rule,

a) foreigners were prohibited from landing on Chinese shores.
b) only Chinese were allowed to hold the highest government jobs.
c) only Mongols were allowed to serve in the military.
d) Chinese were prohibited from ruling the provinces.

In regard to overseas exploration, Ming emperors

a) prohibited it because they saw Chinese civilization as superior to all
others.
b) encouraged it because they believed Chinese civilization benefited
from outside influences.
c) were indifferent.
d) produced many fleets of seagoing vessels.

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Chapter 13, Section 2

Section 2 Assessment

In China under Mongol rule,

a) foreigners were prohibited from landing on Chinese shores.
b) only Chinese were allowed to hold the highest government jobs.
c) only Mongols were allowed to serve in the military.
d) Chinese were prohibited from ruling the provinces.

In regard to overseas exploration, Ming emperors

a) prohibited it because they saw Chinese civilization as superior to all
others.
b) encouraged it because they believed Chinese civilization benefited
from outside influences.
c) were indifferent.
d) produced many fleets of seagoing vessels.

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Chapter 13, Section 3

Korea and Its Traditions

• How did geography affect life in the Korean

peninsula?

• How did Korea maintain its unity and

independence despite Chinese influence?

• What were the major achievements of the

Choson dynasty?
Chapter 13, Section 3

Geography of the Korean Peninsula

Seventy percent of Korea is

mountainous. Because farming is
difficult in the mountains, most
Koreans live along the western
coastal plain, Korea’s major farming
area.
Korea has a 5,400 mile coastline with
hundreds of good harbors. Since
earliest times, Koreans have
depended on seafood for protein in
their diet.
Korea’s location on China’s doorstep
has played a key role in its
development.
Chapter 13, Section 3

Korea United

As early as Han times, China extended its influence to Korea. Although

Koreans absorbed many Chinese traditions, Korea was able to preserve
its independence and maintain a separate and distinct culture.

Koreans adapted and modified Chinese ideas.

Examples:

• Koreans used the Chinese civil service examination, but adapted it to fit
their own system of inherited ranks.

• Koreans learned to make porcelain from China, but then perfected

techniques of making celadon—a porcelain with an unusual blue-green
glaze.
Chapter 13, Section 3

The Choson Dynasty

In 1392, the Koreans overthrew their Mongol conquerors and

set up the Choson dynasty. Choson rulers made important
contributions to Korean culture.

• They reduced Buddhist influence and set up a government

based upon Confucian principles.
Over time, Confucianism greatly influenced Korean life.

• They developed hangul to replace the complex Chinese

writing system. The use of hangul led to an extremely high
literacy rate, or percentage of people who can read and write.
Chapter 13, Section 3

Section 3 Assessment

More than half of the Korean peninsula is made up of

a) mountains.
b) coastal plains.
c) deserts.
d) valleys.

With the development of hangul,

a) Chinese influence in Korea ended.
b) Buddhism spread more quickly through Korea.
c) Korean peasants were allowed to take the civil
service examination.
d) the literacy rate in Korea increased.

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Chapter 13, Section 3

Section 3 Assessment

More than half of the Korean peninsula is made up of

a) mountains.
b) coastal plains.
c) deserts.
d) valleys.

With the development of hangul,

a) Chinese influence in Korea ended.
b) Buddhism spread more quickly through Korea.
c) Korean peasants were allowed to take the civil
service examination.
d) the literacy rate in Korea increased.

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Chapter 13, Section 4

The Emergence of Japan

• What geographic features influenced the early

development of Japan?

• How did Chinese civilization influence early

Japanese traditions?

• What traditions emerged at the Heian court?

Chapter 13, Section 4

Geography of Japan

Japan is located on an
archipelago, or chain of islands,
about 100 miles off the Asian
mainland.
Because four-fifths of Japan is
mountainous, most people settled in
narrow river valleys and along
coastal plains.
The surrounding seas have both
protected and isolated Japan.
Japan was close enough to the
mainland to learn from Korea and
China, but too far away for the
Chinese to conquer.
The seas also served as trade
routes for Japan.
Chapter 13, Section 4

Chinese Civilization Influenced Early Japan

In the early 600s, Japan began sending students, monks, traders,

and officials to China. These visitors returned to Japan eager to
spread Chinese thought, technology, and the arts. The Japanese
adopted:

Chinese ideas about government

Chinese fashion
Chinese language and characters
Chinese foods
Confucian ideas and ethics

In time, enthusiasm for everything Chinese died down. The

Japanese kept some Chinese ways but discarded or modified
others. This process is known as selective borrowing.
Example: Japan never accepted the Chinese civil service exam to
choose officials based on merit. Instead, they maintained their
tradition of inherited status through family position.
Chapter 13, Section 4

The Heian Period

From 794 to 1185, the imperial capital was in Heian,

present-day Kyoto.

At the Heian court an elegant and sophisticated culture

blossomed. Noblemen and noblewomen lived in a fairy-
tale atmosphere. Elaborate rules of etiquette governed
court ceremony.

Important literature came out of the Heian period. The

Pillow Book was a series of anecdotes and observations
about court life. The Tale of Genji was the world’s first
full-length novel. Both were written by women.
Chapter 13, Section 4

Section 4 Assessment

The seas surrounding Japan

a) kept Korean influence out of Japan.
b) protected and isolated Japan.
c) served to inhibit trade.
d) led to repeated Chinese invasions.

Which of the following best describes Chinese influence on Japan?

a) The Japanese were never interested in things Chinese.
b) The Japanese engaged in selective borrowing at first, and later
began adopting all things Chinese.
c) The Japanese adopted many Chinese customs at first, and
later engaged in selective borrowing.
d) The Japanese were only interested in adopting Chinese
systems of government.

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Chapter 13, Section 4

Section 4 Assessment

The seas surrounding Japan

a) kept Korean influence out of Japan.
b) protected and isolated Japan.
c) served to inhibit trade.
d) led to repeated Chinese invasions.

Which of the following best describes Chinese influence on Japan?

a) The Japanese were never interested in things Chinese.
b) The Japanese engaged in selective borrowing at first, and later
began adopting all things Chinese.
c) The Japanese adopted many Chinese customs at first, and
later engaged in selective borrowing.
d) The Japanese were only interested in adopting Chinese
systems of government.

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Chapter 13, Section 5

Japan’s Feudal Age

• How did feudalism develop in Japan?

• What changes took place under the Tokugawa

shoguns?

• What cultural and artistic traditions emerged in

feudal Japan?
Chapter 13, Section 5

Feudalism in Japan

As the emperor presided over the splendid courts of Heian, rival

clans battled for control of the countryside. Local warlords formed
armed bands loyal to them rather than to the emperor. In this
way, Japan evolved a feudal system.

In theory, the emperor stood at the head of Japanese feudal

society. In fact, he was powerless. Real power lay in the hands
of the shogun, or supreme military commander.

The shogun distributed land to vassal lords who agreed to protect

them. These great warrior lords were called daimyo. They, in
turn, granted land to lesser warriors called samurai.
Chapter 13, Section 5

The Tokugawa Shogunate

Determined to end feudal warfare, the Tokugawa shoguns:

• imposed central government control on all Japan

• created a unified, orderly society
• required the daimyo to live in the shogun’s capital
every other year
• created new laws that fixed the social order rigidly
in place and upheld a strict moral code
• imposed restrictions on women
• oversaw economic growth, the flourishing of trade,
and the emergence of a middle class
Chapter 13, Section 5

Culture of Feudal Japan

Cities such as Edo and Osaka were home to an explosion in the arts and the theater.

PAINTING &
THEATER LITERATURE
PRINTMAKING
No plays presented Zen Essays expressed Zen Japanese painters were
Buddhist themes or values or contained influenced by Chinese
recounted fairy tales or observations about human landscape paintings, yet
power struggles. developed their own
nature.
styles.
Kabuki, a popular new Japanese poets adapted
form of drama, combined Chinese models, creating Painters recreated
drama, dance, and miniature poems called historical events on
music. haiku. scrolls.

Puppet plays, known as Woodblock prints used

bunraku, were popular. fresh colors and simple
lines to convey town life.
Chapter 13, Section 5

Section 5 Assessment

In feudal Japan, real power lay in the hands of the

a) emperor.
b) shogun.
c) samurai.
d) daimyo.

Japanese miniature poems are called

a) kabuki.
b) bunraku.
c) No.
d) haiku.

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Chapter 13, Section 5

Section 5 Assessment

In feudal Japan, real power lay in the hands of the

a) emperor.
b) shogun.
c) samurai.
d) daimyo.

Japanese miniature poems are called

a) kabuki.
b) bunraku.
c) No.
d) haiku.

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